I’m fine with who I am. Why do I need to change?

You will not be changing who you naturally are. You will be practicing skills that have the potential to optimize some of the positive qualities that you already have. You may also become aware of, and maybe even transform, some patterns and habits that limit your development.

Aren’t mindfulness and meditation religious practices?

Mindfulness and meditation are practices that have origins in Buddhist traditions that are over 2500 years old but need not be practiced in a religious way. The benefits of mindfulness/meditation can be gained from a completely secular perspective, and do not rely on any particular belief system. What is important is the implementation of the practice in a purely practical way.

I tried it once and nothing much happened. Why should I try again?

This assertion is analogous to going to the gym for the first time, coming back home to look in the mirror, and being surprised that one doesn’t have a six-pack yet. Mindfulness takes consistent and dedicated practice and as a challenging endeavor can take even a few weeks of routine practice before any benefits become apparent. It is often the case that when we think the least is happening in our practice, the opposite is true.

I don’t have time to meditate.  

We don’t MAKE time to meditate. As little as five minutes of meditation everyday can make a huge qualitative difference in one’s functioning over time. In addition, everyday activities such as brushing your teeth, walking to work, and making dinner can all act as opportunities for the direction of mindful attention. Once we realize the practice’s usefulness, it becomes a matter of prioritizing it in our lives.

I’m nervous about some of these techniques. What if I’m uncomfortable about doing them?

One of the core skills you will be learning is to recognize what you are feeling at the time you are feeling it. If there is a feeling of discomfort with any technique, the skill you are practicing is to accept your feelings, thoughts, or physical sensations as a valid signals to be respected. If you feel any physical or emotional discomfort that is beyond your ability to cope, you are always welcome to end the practice short. One of the goals is to create an environment that is conducive to growth and dealing with challenges, not exacerbating one’s suffering.

Can you learn mindfulness or meditation without formal practice?

There may be the odd exception, but in most cases, no. Just like with any skill we learn, or when we increase our physical fitness, we require dedicated time to formally do the practice or exercise.

How long will it take before I notice a difference?

Not surprisingly, there is a good deal of variability in how this practice impacts people’s lives and when they start to see those changes occur. That said, it’s fairly common for people to report within a couple of weeks of dedicated practice that they were able to meet a situation with an altered perspective. These are the early signs of developing a degree of freedom from our automatic and habitual tendencies. Something else to consider: Co-workers, family members and friends sometimes notice these changes before we ourselves are clearly aware of them.

How much time do I need each week to practice?

It is important to have a daily practice. Initially, the formal practice may be short (5-10 minutes). However, over time it is important that you increase the meditation length to ensure that you are placing yourself in an optimal zone of challenge. Some practice is always better than no practice and even a couple minutes during a busy day can make a difference.

Don’t my children already learn these skills in school?

In general children are taught an abundance of propositional content in what are considered to be major subject areas (Math, Science, English, etc.). However, there is shockingly little, if any, formal time devoted towards developing personal skills such as emotional regulation, concentration, and resilience.

Why do you charge for your classes?  Some organizations offer mindfulness or meditation on a donation basis.

Most organizations that offer mindfulness or meditation on a donation basis are religious and run along traditional Buddhist lines. Developing Minds is a private commercial organization and has a different model.

Within this model, a systematic approach is used towards personal development that borrows from various scientific and wisdom traditions. Students participate in classes that are small, intimate, and provide great opportunities for more in-depth learning and discussion.

What should I bring to the course?

Wear comfortable clothes.
Bring a back rest for the chair if you need one.
Bring a notepad and pencil/pen.
Bring an attitude of curiousity and commitment to caring for yourself.